If you’re searching for a creamy, buttery treat that melts in your mouth, you’ll love this South African fudge recipe. Made with simple ingredients like condensed milk, golden syrup, and butter, this traditional recipe is a must-have for anyone who loves sweet, homemade treats. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, holiday gift, or a weekend indulgence, this recipe will impress with its irresistible flavour and perfect texture.
Lyle's Golden Syrup is a rich, golden-coloured syrup with a distinctive buttery and caramel-like flavour, perfect for baking and cooking. This iconic British staple has been loved for over 100 years and adds a unique sweetness to your recipes. Whether you're making fudge, flapjacks, or drizzling it over pancakes, its smooth, velvety texture ensures it blends effortlessly.
Why You Will Love this South African Fudge
Easy to make: Requires only six basic ingredients.
Perfect texture: Creamy, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth magic.
Versatile: Great for gifting, party treats, or satisfying a sweet tooth.
Quick preparation: With a little patience and care, you’ll have perfect fudge in under an hour.
South African fudge combines rich, creamy textures with indulgent sweetness to create a dessert that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re enjoying it as a personal indulgence or wrapping it up as a gift, this recipe is a must-have for any home baker.
South Africa Fudge Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tin 397g/14 oz condensed milk
- 400 g 2 cups/14.1 oz sugar
- 30 ml 2 tbsp golden syrup
- 75 ml 5 tbsp water
- 60 g 4 tbsp butter
- 5 ml 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Start with Sugar and Water. Turn the stove to medium heat. Combine the sugar and water in a large, heavy saucepan. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add Butter and Syrup. Add in the butter and golden syrup, stirring continuously until the butter is fully melted and incorporated into the mixture.
- Incorporate Condensed Milk. Pour in the condensed milk and keep stirring. Let the mixture come to a boil, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Lower the Heat. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture boil slowly. Stir constantly to prevent burning and cook until it reaches the soft ball stage. This process should take about 20-25 minutes.
- Test for Soft Ball Stage. To check, drop a small amount of the mixture into a glass of ice cold water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball, it’s ready.
- Remove and Beat. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture vigorously until it begins to thicken. If you’re using an electric mixer, handle it carefully to avoid burns. Beat for approximately 5 minutes.
- Set and Cool. Pour the fudge into a baking paper-lined pyrex dish, spreading it evenly. Let it cool completely at room temperature.
- Cut and Serve. Once the fudge is cool, cut it into squares and enjoy this melt-in-your-mouth treat!
Dr. Oetker Madagascan Vanilla Natural Extract brings the authentic, rich flavour of Madagascan vanilla to your recipes. Made with 100% natural ingredients, this premium extract enhances your desserts, bakes, and sweet treats with a deep, aromatic vanilla essence.
Perfect for home bakers and professionals alike. Ideal for creating indulgent bakes with a luxurious touch!
The Pyrex Basics 8 Inch Square Glass Baking Dish is the ultimate kitchen essential for baking, serving, and storing your favorite dishes. Crafted from durable, high-quality tempered glass, this dish is designed to handle high temperatures and resist stains and odours. Its 8x8x2.5-inch size is perfect for brownies, casseroles, small lasagnas, and, of course, fudge!
Variations of this South African Fudge
- Chocolate Fudge: Add 100g (3.5 oz) of melted milk chocolate to the mixture before beating.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in 50g (1.8 oz) of chopped pecans, macadamia, or almonds just before pouring the fudge into the pan.
- Coffee Fudge: Dissolve 1 tsp of instant coffee in the water at the beginning of the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the fudge reaches the soft ball stage?
You can test this by dropping a small amount of the mixture into a glass of ice cold water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball, it’s ready.
Can I make fudge without a candy thermometer?
Yes! The cold water test is a great alternative to a thermometer.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger saucepan to prevent the mixture from boiling over.
Where to buy authentic South African ingredients?
Check out my guide on Where to Buy South African Products to find everything you need for your next bake!
I Would Love to Hear From You
Have you tried this South African fudge recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below! I’d love to hear about your favourite fudge-making tips or any variations you’ve tried.
